Blackjack is one of the most illustrious comparing card games and is widely played at land-based and online casinos. In fact, it’s even more popular than poker and online roulette games. Also known as 21, blackjack has inspired numerous interpretations and variations, some of which you’ll find at Black Spins New Zealand. Before we take a closer look at some of these variants, let’s brush up on the rules of blackjack.

Blackjack Basic Rules

Blackjack comprises several participants who compete against a dealer. Each player is dealt two cars which are either face up or face down depending on the version being played. The goal is to reach 21 or get as close as possible via the sum value of the initial two cards or attain a score higher than the dealer’s hand but without exceeding 21.

Players can draw more cards in order to improve their hand value should they wish. When all hands have been dealt and completed, the dealer takes a turn and must reveal cards until they total at least 17 points (this differs between versions). If he goes bust the player with the best hand wins. However, the dealer’s hand cannot be completed should all players bust or one or more gets a blackjack.

Card values relate to their actual numbers from 2 to 10 with, Jack, Queen and King worth ten. The Ace can be worth either eleven or one. A player dealt a picture card and ace scores what’s known as a blackjack.

During play, the participant has the following options: stand, hit, double, split, surrender

Online Blackjack Versions

As with most online casino games these days, players have at their disposal a variety of different versions. Here’s a guide to the different types of online blackjack as well as the versions you can play here at Black Spins New Zealand.

American Blackjack

In games of American blackjack, the dealer is dealt two cards, one of which is face-down – this is known as the hole card. Unlike European blackjack, he’s allowed to peak at the card if there’s a possibility of a blackjack – should a one appear, the dealer wins.

European Blackjack

For European blackjack, the dealer is given one face-up card, receiving the second card only when all hands have been completed.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

Most versions of multi-hand blackjack follow similar rules to the European version. And as the name indicates, this variant involves multiple hands. Although the addition of extra hands makes it impossible to count cards, it does increase your chances of winning something.

Double Exposure

In games of Double Exposure Blackjack, the dealer receives two cards face-up. Being aware of the dealer’s hand offers the rest of the players quite an advantage. So, to restore the house edge, should a player receive a blackjack, his pay-out is reduced to even money from the usual 3:2 ratio.

Blackjack Professional Series

Blackjack Professional Series originates with Swedish Gaming giants, Netent. It’s a 3-hand online blackjack game that’s played with 4 decks. Players are permitted to split a hand once if they’re dealt cards of the same value. After the first two cards are dealt, they are also allowed to double their bet.

Blackjack Party

Blackjack Party is a low-stakes variant which follows closely follows the rules of European Blackjack. The dealer must stand at 17 and draw to 18. As with traditional versions the usual options are available such as splitting, standing, doubling and hitting.

Diamond VIP Blackjack

Diamond VIP Blackjack is basically the polar opposite of Blackjack Party. Although the rules are the same, this version is aimed at high-rollers and features per hand minimums of £1000. If you’ve got the money and know-how, then this may well be online blackjack version for you.

How to Play Online Blackjack in New Zealand

Most online blackjack games require you to choose how much you want to bet on a hand. While betting ranges tend to vary between websites, typical amounts tend to be around £1, £5, £25 and £100. After you’ve finished betting, hit the ‘deal’ button.

You should then be presented with the usual in-play options including ‘hit’, ‘stand’ or ‘double-down’. After an action has been chosen, the cards are then dealt. Should you win, funds are automatically paid out.

It’s worth pointing out that if you ever get stuck, look for an information screen. Most New Zealand online casino games have one – these can prove extremely helpful to your understanding of the game.

Now that you’ve got an idea of how to play online blackjack, check out our range of games above. Good luck!

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